A man who was arrested for his involvement in a violent brawl caught on video that broke out at Venice Pier last week claims he is the real victim, his attorney said Wednesday.
Ara Sarkisyan and two other people were arrested after engaging in a fight with a lifeguard on July 30. Cell phone video showed the lifeguard was struck repeatedly and knocked down during the attack. The two men and a woman arrested on suspicion of battery on an executive officer were believed to be intoxicated, police said.
Police said the altercation began when a lit cigarette had earlier been flicked into the tower. But new video of the scuffle obtained Tuesday by NBC4 showed the lifeguard poured a bucket of water on one of the attackers before the fight.
In a news conference Wednesday, Sarkisyan was unable to speak due to his injuries, including a broken jaw, broken nose, stitches to the bridge of his nose and eyebrow, according to his attorney, George Mgdesyan.
Mgdesyan said the new footage shows a different side of the story, and hopes this can free his client from any charges.
"...it was presented like my clients were the aggressors and they didn't show the initial part. We never see my client throwing a cigarette butt at this person," said Mgdesyan.
The lifeguard was also taken to a hospital where he was treated for minor injuries and released.
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Two of the three suspects posted bond Friday.
